Adebayo Adenrele
…says it’ll counter cybercrime, drug abuse among youths
Inspiration Care and Development Centre (ICDC) on Friday launched BetaGovernment project aimed at empowering Ekiti youths in the pursuit of inclusive governance, leadership and accountability in the state and Nigeria at large.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Ado-Ekiti, the executive Director of the Initiative, Olowolayemo Lawrence said the project, sponsored by Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) under LEAP AFRICA, will focus on citizens’ engagement, advocacy, capacity building, tech-driven approaches and research.
Olowolayemo said youths across the 16 local governments areas of the state will be engaged in civic engagement, tech-driven project tracking, among others.
His words, “In a time marked by increasing demands for good governance, leadership and accountability in Nigeria, young people have emerged as passionate advocates for change.
“The #BetaGovernment initiative aims to amplify youth voices in the pursuit of the crucial values.
“The project aims at developing and executing targeted advocacy campaigns to raise awareness on crucial government issues.
“It will also create platforms for youths to collaborate with governmental bodies, promote a two-way communication channel.
“Selected youths will receive training on monitoring government projects and advocating for transparency at the local level, thereby contributing to the overall development and wellbeing of our community.”
On his part, a board member of ICDC, Martin-Mary Falana, said the project will also counter cybercrime, drug abuse and other ill vices among youths in the state.
“I see many young youth in drugs, Internet fraud and other ill activities, this project will be engaging alot of civic education to energize our youth against these ill vices and looking into the development of the society, as well as seeking inclusiveness.”
Also speaking, an advisory board member of NYFF, Modupe Adetiba said the purpose of their collaboration with ICDC is to support Ekiti youths to have sense of belongings in order to be involved in governance and hold the government accountable.
“The Nigeria Youth Future fund is to support the youth ecosystem, support for change in national level and pioneer youth involvement in governance.” She added